To the teachers who were more than just teachers,
All throughout my years in school I have struggled with finding out who I am. I have gone to extremes such as dying my hair purple, and then chopping it all off. Throughout that time, I lacked having a steady friend, or boyfriend. A select few of my teachers have been more to me than just teachers. You became a rock, that I knew I could go to with any problem. Not only did you teach me lessons in class, but they taught me life lessons. You somehow managed to be not only just a teacher, but became a mentor, parent, and a friend. You became that steady person, outside of my house, that supported me through every phase and made sure that I embraced it.
Not only did you make an impact on me while I was in your class, but you made an impact outside of it. Because of you, I will go on to college and pursue my education degree, so hopefully I can turn out like you one day. I hope to one day be half of the teacher that you are, and make an impact on someone’s life like you did to mine. I can never thank you enough for the impact you've made on my career decision. I truly was lost until taking your class, and you guided me into the beginning of the rest of my life.
From running up to me in the hallway with your left hand flying in my face to announce your engagement, to ranting about the stress of your day after your youngest son stayed home from school without telling you or your husband, I will continue to be here for you too. As much as you have my back, know I have yours just as much. I will always be here for you as a babysitter, and a helper when prom season comes around. You will always be with me as the person who introduced me to teaching as more than just being an educator.
Whenever I came to you for advice, you never told me what to do. You always let me figure it out myself. You were there to listen to me complaining about boys, friends, and other teachers. You told me not to take anything I did not deserve, from anyone. Even throughout the summer, when I no longer see you every day, I am still in contact with you.
You were always a support system. Even when I messed up, you reminded me that it would not be the end of the world. You listened when nobody else would. You made it easy to be late to my next class because I was too busy talking to you. You made sure I was the best I could be. You spent countless hours of tutoring me for grades you did not even teach, to make sure I got the best grade possible. The hours of spending time after school to try and get my research paper just right, and my AP essay score up, never went unforgotten. I will always be grateful to you for everything you have done for me.
Thank you for making sure I stayed true to myself and stayed with the right crowd of people. Thank you for sticking by my side through everything. Thank you for teaching me things that I can continue to share on with my future students. Thank you for being more than a teacher.
Sincerely,
Your student
